Harbours' Assn. Conference Begins

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 575, 30 January 1929, Page 13

Harbours' Assn. Conference Begins

OVER FIFTY DELEGATES NEW MINISTER ATTENDS Fifty-five delegates representing 24 ports from Bay of Islands to the Bluff met at the Chamber of Commerce hall this morning for the eleventh triennial conference of the Harbours’ Association of New Zealand. Mr. H. R. Mackenzie, chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, presided. On behalf of the Auckland Board Mr. Mackenzie briefly welcomed delegates. He extended congratulations to the Hon. J. G. Cobb, last president, who had been made Minister of Marine in the United Government. “I feel sure Mr. Cobbe will watch the interests of harbours throughout the country with fairness and zeal,” said the chairman. The Mayor, Mr. George Baildon, welcomed visiting delegates on behalf of the municipality. He said the interchange of ideas could only be productive of good. Mr. Baildon referred to the excellent relations existing between the harbour and civic authorities in Auckland. He looked forward to the time when the Waitemata would become “almost a free port.” “I understand that under ordinary circumstances I, as president of the Harbours Association, would have presided over this conference,” said Mr. Cobbe, "but it seems that owing to certain happenings in Wellington, early last month, it has been decided that I am not now a .fit person to preside.” (Laughter.) “However, I think you -are to be congratulated upon the fact that I have had to make way for a much better chairman, and I am confident that, under the experienced and able guidance of Mr. Mackenzie, you will have a successful conference.” Outlining the business to be considered, Mr. Cobbe said that it should be remembered that harbour boards obtained all their very wide powers from the Government, and it was therefore necessary that the State should have some representation on those boards. Regarding the exemption enjoyed by the Government from payment of harbour dues, he said it should be remembered, however, that boards exempt by law from payment of income tax, land tax, stamp duties and other charges. It would therefore be seen that when both sides of the question were considered there was a good deal to be said from the Government point of view. With reference to remits relating to exemptions given to vessels engaged in fishing and whaling, it might be that, owing to altered circumstances, the question was due for review. The question of altering the basis of computation of dues on shipping was a matter for Imperial action, and could not be dealt with by the Dominion alone.

Having in mind harbour schemes frequently proposed by small authorities, Mr. Cobbe said it must never be forgotten that considerable expenditure on ports should always be regulated by district trade necessities, sound finance and the certainty of the surmounting of engineering difficulties.

SUPERANNUATION SCHEMES “Although the question of superannuation does not directly concern my departments T personally agree that boards should legally be able to make reasonable and adequate provision for retiring officers and for widows and orphans of deceased contributors.” the Minister said. Concluding, lie assured the conference of the Government’s careful consideration of questions arising out of its deliberations.